Debarkation question

[psparr]

Been on a few cruises, but never had this scenario come up. I’d like to disembark before the rest of the family to go get a rental car, then return to the port to pick up the rest of the family. Is there any issue with Carnival or customs if we don’t disembark together? Thanks. 

[donaldsc]

I don't see why.

 

DON

[LHT28]

most  ships  have  early disembark if you take your bags  yourself  so  maybe ask  the cruise line if you can do that  while the rest of the groups gets off later

 

[shipgeeks]

I can't see why not.  Each person has to present their cruise card to be dinged by Security when leaving the ship, and passport when going through Immigration.  As long as everyone has their own, I don't see a problem.

[CruiserBruce]

I agree with @shipgeeks.Immigration would be the hangup, not Customs, but everyone clears that individually.

[njhorseman]

32 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

I agree with @shipgeeks.Immigration would be the hangup, not Customs, but everyone clears that individually.

Actually it was always customs, not immigration, that would have been the problem.  In the days when you were required to fill out a customs declaration it would be the hang up because a single declaration form was used for all members of the household and you all cleared customs together, with all your luggage available for inspection if necessary. I can recall some years ago that my wife and I somehow got separated and she ended up with a different CBP officer and was quickly escorted over to join me because I had the declaration in hand and she had none. 

 

Today, with no customs declaration forms needed in almost all situations that problem doesn't exist.

[ldubs]

I agree with all of the above.  Skip out to grab the rental then come back and pick the fam and baggage up.  Sounds like a good plan.   

[ldubs]

12 minutes ago, njhorseman said:

Actually it was always customs, not immigration, that would have been the problem.  In the days when you were required to fill out a customs declaration it would be the hang up because a single declaration form was used for all members of the household and you all cleared customs together, with all your luggage available for inspection if necessary. I can recall some years ago that my wife and I somehow got separated and she ended up with a different CBP officer and was quickly escorted over to join me because I had the declaration in hand and she had none. 

 

Today, with no customs declaration forms needed in almost all situations that problem doesn't exist.

 

I had almost forgotten about those forms.  The worst was having to dig around for a pen during a return flight.  Haha.  

[zqvol]

4 hours ago, psparr said:

Been on a few cruises, but never had this scenario come up. I’d like to disembark before the rest of the family to go get a rental car, then return to the port to pick up the rest of the family. Is there any issue with Carnival or customs if we don’t disembark together? Thanks. 

Not a problem at all.

[Elaine5715]

6 hours ago, ldubs said:

 

I had almost forgotten about those forms.  The worst was having to dig around for a pen during a return flight.  Haha.  

The forms still exist and you are supposed to know when you need to complete one